Undercover Engagement

3.75 stars-- UNDERCOVER ENGAGEMENT is the fifth instalment in Samanthe Beck’s contemporary, adult PRIVATE PLEASURES erotic, romantic suspense series. This is rookies Eden Brixton, and Marcus Swain’s story line. UNDERCOVER ENGAGEMENT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Told from dual third person perspectives (Marc and Eden) UNDERCOVER ENGAGEMENT follows recent academy grads Eden Brixton, and Marcus Swain on their first undercover assignment in Bluelick, Kentucky. An increase in drug possession has warranted an investigation into the sale, cultivation and distribution of marijuana in the Bluelick area, and Eden and Marcus have been assigned to go undercover as a couple, a couple struggling financially with their upcoming wedding but Eden and Marc’s previous encounters with one another have been less that tolerable, in fact their relationship is more antagonistic than hopelessly in love. Working together finds Marc and Eden struggling to remain in characters but a perceived act of betrayal pushed Eden to go it alone. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Eden and Marc, and the potential fall-out as their time together comes to a close. The relationship between Marcus and Eden is acrimonious at best. Marc is a bit of a hotshot with ego to spare, and Eden is a bit of a straight-laced recruit from a long line of front line workers. Having butt heads with one another through basic training, their acrimonious relationship continues in the small town of Bluelick, Kentucky. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. We are reintroduced to former Navy SEAL Shaun Buchanan and Mayor Ginny Boca: Dr. Ellie Swan and Tyler Longfoot, Melody Merritt; former Navy SEAL West Donovan and his girlfriend/singer Roxy Goodhart, and several townies including Kenny and Dobie. UNDERCOVER ENGAGEMENT is a story of secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is engaging and entertaining-the angst level is low, the conflict resolution quick and easy; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and colorful.

Eden and Swain’s story in Undercover Engagement by Samanthe Beck, book five in her Private Pleasures series, was an emotional, enjoyable and at least a three-alarm, sizzling tale of opposites who might just be attracted to each other, despite not wanting to. Eden Brixton is a by the rules, straight-laced, take the bulls by the horns young lady; one would expect nothing less from a drill sergeant’s daughter. Marcus Swain knows a con, a mile away, especially after growing up with a con-artist for a dad. When these two are paired up for an undercover op, all bets are off. Both of their futures depend on convincing the folks of Bluelick, KY they are in love. Eden is so out of her comfort zone, prancing around town in practically nothing, hanging all over Swain, convincing people she’s a bubble-head instead of the top of her class, honor-student she truly is. Swain’s self-controlled is majorly tested being partnered with the beautiful Eden. He’s street-smart and skilled while she’s not only book-smart, she can quote the page number to him. Living in a very small, one-bedroom house, temptation, and off-the-chart chemistry might make pretending to be in love be a challenge to them; or will it? After all, there’s a fine line between hate and love. I loved seeing the changes in Eden and Swain as they became their characters; Eden loosening up and how serious Marcus could be. No matter how lonely they each were, they learned to rely that the other had their six. The scene in the bar where Marcus is groveling for Eden’s forgiveness is so hot!! Definitely a five-alarm heat!! Getting to know these two and the secondary characters added so much charm and realism to this story. Ms. Beck wrote an emotional, amazing and very hot romance that should not be missed. This story abounds with sizzle, chemistry, magnetic attraction, wonderful dialogue, and charming characters giving Eden and Swain a chance for a successful undercover op and the possibility of a long future together. I highly recommend Undercover Engagement to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I usually don’t start a series mid point but the title and the chance to try a new author enticed me to give it a try. The story centers around two individuals who recently graduated from their law enforcement training. One, with a new job as a policewoman the other as a sheriff. Even in training these two seemingly opposites were always sparing, but the sparks were also flying. Maybe not evident to them but certainly to others. Eden Brixton , a by the book woman, is not happy when she is assigned an undercover mission with none other than her nemesis, Marcus Swain, a former Marine whose childhood was not the best, and who is definitely not a by the book kind of guy. As the undercover progresses, so do the feelings. But trusting someone else is not something either gives easily. Will they be able to complete the operation? Will the end of it mean the end of their budding relationship? This was an easy read and an entertaining book. My one issue is that too much of the book was spent between the sheets, not always necessary for the plot. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Entangled Brazen. The opinions expressed are solely my own.